Goodbye OCC!

This is my second post for the day - please scroll down for my MFT teaser post!

I have a bittersweet post today - this is my last week as a member of the Our Creative Corner design team. It's been a wonderful team to be on for the last 18 months, but I'm moving on to concentrate on other things and let someone else take a turn! Thank you ladies for the wonderful challenges each week, I've so enjoyed being on a team with you all!

I'm the hostess for this week, and I have a colour challenge for you. Red and Aqua! From pale aqua to bright turquoise, this is one of my favourite colour combos, especially with a little pop of pink added in. The inspiration images are from my Red and Aqua Pinterest board.

I've used one of the cute new à la mode images the MFT team are previewing today - Bundle of Baby. The image is coloured with Copics and paper pieced. I've used the cute Say What speech bubble Die-namic to add my sentiment. 

Inside I've shadow stamped the image and added two more sentiments. Be sure to stop by the OCC blog to see all the amazing designer creations! 

 Thanks for stopping by!
 

Stamps: à la modes - Bundle of Baby (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Going Gray, Blushing Bride (SU) Paper: Stella and Rose - Hazel (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red (SU) Dies: Open Scallop Doily Duo, Scallop Ribbon Border, Say What Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: White Gel Pen (SU) Ribbon, Copic Markers

All the B's and New Riley

Hi everyone, hope your weekend is off to a great start! Shan and I went to see Harry Potter this morning - fun way to kick off the weekend. Today I have the start of Riley sneak peeks for you, and an OCC challenge.

The challenge this week is All the B's - use black, bling, bows and buttons on your creations. This release Riley is heading off on vacation, so I started my peeks with this cute image of him sitting on his trunk, ticket in hand.

The image is coloured with copics and the paper is Toy Box by Crate Paper.

I'm sure the rest of the moose-mates will have some cuteness for you today - be sure to go visit them!

Cindy Haffner
Frances Byrne
Heather Prince
Jovita Torres
Joy Stagg
Juliet Huang
Kelly Santi
Laurie Clout
Margie Cortina
Michele L
Silke Kittmann
Therese Boyd

 Thanks for stopping by!
 

White-White-White

Hi everyone - super quick post today as the flu is kicking my butt! The OCC challenge this week is to make an all-white creation. I've used off white and dirty white for some variation in my creation.

I've just made a simple gift tag/box topper this could also go on a card base for a quick last minute card. Head on over to OCC for all the details about this week's challenge!

 Thanks for stopping by!
 

Seasonal Celebration Challenge

For day two of MFT teasers, please click here!

It's my turn to hostess again this week at OCC and we're having a Seasonal Celebration! Make a last minute 4th of July card or a Christmas project for Christmas in July. I got a jump on my Christmas stamping and created a clean and simple card.

It was SO fun to pull out the Let It Snowflake Die-namic again! I love that thing! I've also used the Jumbo Scallop. The papers for my card are from Crate Paper - Snow Day. The Pure Innocence is Merry Kissmas - too cute!

The image was coloured with Copics and I added glittered flocking to the hat trims. Don't forget to visit OCC to see the fantastic design team creations. I'll be back tomorrow with Day Three of MFT teasers - it's Pure Innocence day! yay!

Stamps: PI - Merry Kissmas (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: White, Real Red, Soft Sky (SU) Paper: Snow Day (Crate Paper) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Real Red (SU) Dies: Jumbo Scallop, Let it Snowflake Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Rhinestones (Kaisercraft)

We Want You!

Hi everyone - I hope you'll forgive me for starting this post with a HUGE wooooohooooo! I've finally come to the end of my first semester back doing university study full time, and I couldn't be happier. Two blissful weeks off before I do it all again! It's been very tough at times, and there was a meltdown or two, but I persevered and the two weeks vacation feels all the sweeter! Of course, all the things that have stacked up while I focused on assignments will have to be taken care of, but I'll be sure to get some fun crafty time in as well.

It's time for a wooohooo for you too! This week at OCC I'm your hostess and we're having a design team call! The theme is "Your Style" We want to see a card that best represents your own personal style! I'll be leaving the OCC at the end of July after a wonderful almost two year stint. One of the things I have enjoyed most about this team is the diversity in stamping styles. I really hope you'll take on the challenge of showing us your style!

My style can change with my mood - I do like a broad range, but I think this card best sums up my 'main' style. Modern, bold colours, paper piecing, lots of layers and the ever present sentiment flag - it's all me!

This card uses the current WSC sketch from MFT Stamps. I'm also submitting it to RCC for their colouring challenge. I bought this Who's That Geek Guy stamp set, oh gosh, a year ago maybe, specifically to make a card for my darling hubby, who works on a computer all day. We're both kinda computer geeks, so I couldn't resist. This is his birthday card (and we're going to celebrate this one in style, next year is the big 3-0!)

Inside I've used sentiments from the Just my Type stamp set. The papers are from the Crate Paper Toy Box collection. I've also used the Dizzy Doily Die-namic and a star punch for a little something-something.

Don't forget to head on over to the OCC to see the design team creations and to show us your style - don't be afraid to try out for the team - we want to see what you've got!Have a wonderful weekend, I hope it involves some crafty time, and maybe a little cake - I know mine will!

OCC Inspiration Challenge

Yippee - it's the weekend! I have a quick post for you today - it's time for an inspiration challenge at OCC and Lori has given us this image to work with...

When using the inspiration photo we were to choose two elements that inspired our card - I choose to use all the polka dots and that gorgeous round ruffle pillow.

As you'll see, I ignored all other aspects of the photo and took the colours in a completely different direction...

I made a clean and simple card, focusing on my large created embellishment. I picked up some Glubers from Cosmo Cricket this week and used one to turn strips of ribbon into my focal point. The center of my embellishment is an antique brad topped with a small rhinestone.

Inside is just as clean and simple. The papers are from Emma's Shoppe by Crate Paper and both stamps are from the Well Worn Greetings set by MFT.


Head on over to OCC to see what the fabulous team has for you this week!

Baby Girl

Hi everyone! Sorry my OCC card is a little late, we had a lovely sunny day here yesterday, and with  NZ heading into winter and colder weather hubby and I had to take advantage! We had a nice picnic and did some shopping (new shoes, woohoo!) it was just too nice to sit inside all day.

This week Sharon is our hostess, and she wants us to make baby cards using Kraft cardstock, at least one button and some kind of ribbon or trim.

My card uses the awesome MFT sketch for this week - this one looked scary at first, but some adorable new stamps, dies and papers meant it came together easily, I had fun with this one! The stroller image is from the Emma Playing Mommy set, I paper pieced and coloured with copics. I am LOVING that little notched tag die and stamp set - too cute!

I have to give a shout out to Jody - my cards had been lacking my usual dimension, because, well, I was almost out of foam dots! eek! However, Jody sells her "sticky stuff" at AWESOME prices...and would you believe my parcel arrived in NZ only five days after she posted it, including a weekend?! Crazy! So if you're low on all those fun adhesive bits and pieces, Jody's your girl!

Inside I've used another of the gorgeous new die-namics from Well Worn Greetings and a stamp from Clearly Sentimental about Parenting. This card also works for the Free For All challenge this week to use something free on your card - I was lucky enough to win both the stamp sets I used on this card at MFT release parties - another great reason to join in on the fun!

Don't forget to visit OCC to see all the amazing design team creations. Have a wonderful weekend - especially those of you celebrating Memorial Day!

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental about Parenting, Emma Playing Mommy, Notched Tag (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Vanilla, Kraft (SU) Paper: Lime Twist - Happy Go Lucky (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Brilliance) Dies: Well Worn Greetings, Notched Tag, Sweet Stack Labels, Double Scallop Border Die-namics (MFT Stamps)  Other: Pretty in Pink Ribbon and Button (SU) Rhinestones (Kaisercraft) Copics, Twine, Sticky Stuff

Frame It!

Happy Saturday! This week at OCC Linda has challenged us to create a frame on our projects using chipboard, cardstock or whatever you can think of! I created a frame using various nestabilities dies.

This one is pretty self explanatory - some gorgeous paper, a beautiful sentiment and die cut accents. The scallop layer is created using five die cut strips of the Jumbo Scallop Die-namic from My Favorite Things.

For once I haven't finished the inside of this card (yet) We went to the zoo this morning and I ran out of time!  Be sure to stop by Our Creative Corner and see what the design team have cooked up this week - I'll be back tomorrow with the first of the Riley and Company sneak peeks!

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental about Music (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, White, Basic Black (SU) Paper: Emma's Shoppe (Crate Paper) Ink: Real Red (SU) Dies: Dizzy Doily, Musical Notes, Jumbo Scallops Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Labels 4, Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Real Red Ribbon (SU) Rhinestones (Kaisercraft)

Do not adjust your screen....

...You're not supposed to be seeing any colour here! Today's challenge at OCC is monochromatic neutrals with lace and buttons! I used the challenge to push myself into trying a little monochromatic colouring, something I have long admired and wanted to try. As luck would have it, the MFT girls provided a bit of inspiration in this area recently too!

Funky right? I love the Addams Family-esque look! I coloured my image with Copic Markers W-1, W-3, W-5 and W-7 and added some sparkle with a glitter pen. Two of my prima flowers were sprayed with silver bells glimmermist, the top flower was sprinkled with some Martha Stewart glitter. Wide ribbon, a scrap of crochet lace, black rhinestones and bakers twine finished the shabby goth look.

Inside I used the faux crochet die-namic for a pretty border. My die-namics collection is growing ever larger - I don't have much creative time at the moment (too many essays to write!) but I should have some amazing new things to show you soon!

I hope you'll head on over to OCC to see all the design team creations and play along!

Stamps: With All My Heart PI (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Basic Grey, Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla (SU) Paper: Newsprint DSP (SU) Ink: Basic Grey, Basic Black (SU) Dies: Faux Crochet Border Die-namic (MFT Stamps) Top Note (Sizzix) Other: Striped Ribbon, Button (SU) Rhinestones, Textile Embossing Folder, Copics, Lace, Twine, Glitter, Prima Flowers

Shoot for the Moon

Hi everyone - hope your weekend is off to a good start! It's time for this weeks OCC challenge. This week Jen has challenged us to weave something on our projects - paper, ribbon, it's up to you! I created a woven panel that I die-cut into a circle.

My card uses the current MFT sketch. The central panel was woven then die cut and embossed. I've decorated with various die-namics, other diecuts and pierced a border around the card.

Inside I added another awesome and inspiring sentiment, offcuts of the paper, and a die-cut leaf to tie it all together.  

I hope you'll play along at OCC this week, please be sure to pop over and see the other design team cards!

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental about Success (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Whisper White (SU) Paper: Stella and Rose (MME) Ink: Graphite Black (Brilliance) Dies: Dizzy Doily, Rolled Rose, Mini Rolled Rose, Polka Dot Greetings Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Circle Nesties (Spellbinders) Little Leaves (Sizzix) Punches: 1/4" Circle (SU) Other: Piercing Tool, Black Rhinestones, Brads

Fabulous Floss!

Saturday means it's time for another OCC challenge - this week the lovely Jen has challenged us to use embroidery floss on our projects. I have a rather large collection of embroidery cottons because I used to do a lot of cross stitch, so it was fun to pull them out and drool over all the colours!

I decided to use my floss to crochet some trim for my card. I made it up as I went along, but it's just basic stitches in a scallop pattern. I love the sheen the gorgeous cotton has in real life - if you're interested, the colour is DMC 402.

The sketch for my card is the current MFT WSC, the image is You're So Tweet - one of my favourite Pure Innocence sets, she is coloured with copics and paper pieced.

I had a comment the other day asking how I use the Perfect Posies dienamic to create my flowers - I simply cut them, then use a foam mat and the back of my piercing tool to create an indent in each petal. Sometimes I will use the pointy end of a paper piercer to curl the edges of the petals a little and I often add some sponging around the flower edges.

Inside my card I used scraps of paper and a line of cross stitches with the floss to tie it all together.

I hope you'll join us at Our Creative Corner this week - be sure to head over and see what the rest of the design team have come up with!

Stamps: You're So Tweet, Essential Sentiments (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Kraft, Whisper White (SU) Paper: Stella and Rose Mabel (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Kraft, Early Espresso (SU) Dies: Faux Crochet Border, Perfect Posies, Rounded Banner Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Long Rectangles Nesties (Spellbinders) Other: Button (SU) Brads (Basic Grey) DMC Floss 402, Copic Markers

Easel Card

Here it is - a little late - but it's OCC time! This week Vicki has asked us to create easel cards. If you need instructions, you can find a tutorial here - from there you should be able to create any size you desire.

I've used this weeks MFT sketch and my stamps are from the last MFT release - this is one of the Pure Innocence images I hadn't made a sample for yet (I still have a couple more!) I made this card for my little brother who had a special graduation at his school - hopefully he'll love it.

The image was coloured with copics, and I made the flowers using the Perfect Posies Die-namic. The sentiment on the flag is two seperate stamps put together on one block.

I've used the Upper Crest punch from Fiskars, and the papers are Basic Grey.

I hope you'll play along this week at Our Creative Corner, don't forget to head over and see what the rest of the team came up with!

Stamps: Graduation Boy & Girl (MFT Stamps) Cardstock: Buckaroo Blue, Real Red, Whisper White, More Mustard (SU) Paper: Granola (Basic Grey) Ink: Real Red (SU) Dies: Pretty Posies Die-namic (MFT Stamps) Punches: Upper Crest (Fiskars) Other: Ribbon, Buttons (SU) Copic Markers, Twine

OCC Easter Projects

Hi everyone, it's time for another fun OCC challenge. This week we're making 3D (not cards!) Easter projects. I have some fun news first - the lovely Adela from Creations by AR has asked me to join her very talented design team, and I'm delighted to be able to share her wonderful templates with you!

Please be sure to visit the store to see the amazing cutting files available for purchase. Best of all for those of us without electronic cutting machines, there's a PDF version too! My project today uses the adorable Carrot Box - isn't it cute? and it's only $1!

I printed the template on Tangerine Tango cardstock and stamped in the same ink with a Linen background stamp. I cut the carrot tops from some Pear Pizzazz paper, and sponged both these and the carrot. After scoring and adhering the box (it came together SO easy!) I created a cute little tag to adorn my box.

The tag base is a diecut from the Sweet Stack Labels Die-namic. The stamp and sentiment are from Verve. I added some shading on the bunny with a watercolour crayon and finished the tag with some twine, twill and a button.

Be sure to head on over to Our Creative Corner and see all the wonderful Easter projects! Thanks for stopping by!

Template: Carrot Box Stamps: Some Bunny (Verve Stamps) Linen Background (SU) Cardstock: Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake (SU) Paper: Pear Pizzazz & Peach Parfait DSP (SU) Ink: Early Espresso, Tangerine Tango, Pear Pizzazz (SU) Dies: Sweet Stack Labels Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Twill, Button (SU) Rhinestones (Kaisercraft) Twine (MFT Stamps)

OCC - Afternoon Tea

Happy Saturday! It's time for another Our Creative Corner challenge - and this week Sharon wants to see creations using the theme "Afternoon Tea". I'm sharing the Marie Antoinette themed afternoon tea party invites I made for my friend Janine's birthday. You've already seen the cake I made in this post here.

This is the inspiration photo Janine gave me....and here's the card...

I took the colours, the top note shape, pearls, flourishes, doily accents and the bling and incorporated them into the card. It took awhile....but it's so nice to see a pile of matching cards at the end of a long crafting session!

I hope you'll join us this week at OCC - I can't wait to see your creations. Be sure to leave the design team some love too!

OCC - Let's Get Girly!

This is my second post of the day, please scroll down or click here to see my MFT teaser post!

Happy Saturday! it's time for another OCC challenge, and this week Sharon has asked us to make something girly and incorporate a handmade flower, some bling and ribbon.

I'm also playing along with the Verve Diva Dare - Color Me Spring! It's getting colder here as we head into Winter, so it's nice to pretend it's not so chilly and use some soft colours.

I had so much fun making my ATC last week, that I made a new one with some paper scraps sitting out on my desk. The papers are from the Madeline pack by Prima that I am head over heels in love with! You'll see lots from this collection over the next wee while.

I did cheat a little - I altered my flowers instead of creating them anew. The large flower was sprayed with some home made Caribbean glimmer mist and I added the ripped and sponged Verve sentiment over top. I curled the edges of the smaller flower and added a decorative brad.

Ric Rac and Lace scream girly to me - I added both as well as lots of pearls for my bling!

Thanks for stopping by, be sure to head over to Our Creative Corner to see all the amazing design team creations, and link up your girly-fied project!

Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve) Cardstock: Early Espresso (SU) Paper: Madeline (Prima) Ink: Early Espresso (SU) Punches: Embossed Border (Fiskars) Other: Lace, Ric Rac, Leaf Ribbon (Unknown) Pearls (Kaisercraft) Essentials #10 flowers (Prima) Brad (Making Memories)

OCC - Artist Trading Cards

Hi everyone - hope your week is off to a good start! so sorry my OCC post is late, I've been a bit under the weather and everything just snowballed for a little bit!

This week Rebecca has challenged us to make Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) using a kraft + chocolate or black + white or cream + one other colour colour scheme. These little mini works of art are the perfect size to trade, 3.5" x 2.5" or pop onto a card front for a quick card. I like to display mine on a little easel on my desk - so I love to use inspiring quotes!

This came together so quickly using the amazing Die-namics from MFT stamps. I got a nice big parcel the other day, and I am in love with the new additions to my *ahem* growing collection! I just adore the rosette die layered on the dizzy doily, and look at that teeny rolled rose - so sweet!

I hope you'll play along at OCC this week - ATCs are the perfect jumpstart to your mojo!

Colour Combo: Kraft, Vanilla, Black, Marigold  Stamps: Clearly Sentimental about Harvesting (MFT Stamps) Paper: Newsprint (SU) Stella & Rose Mabel (MME) Dies: 1/4" Rosette, Mini Rolled Roses, Dizzy Doily Die-namics (MFT Stamps)  Other: Crochet Trim (SU) Rhinestones (Kaisercraft)